Squad Depth Analysis: Where Liverpool Needs Reinforcements

Let’s set the scene. It’s a cold Wednesday night at Anfield, and Arne Slot is staring at his bench during a Carabao Cup tie. The starting XI looks strong—Salah, Van Dijk, Alisson—but one glance down the line and you spot the same faces who’ve been run into the ground since August. A few academy lads, a midfielder playing out of position, and a striker who’s clearly not match-fit. Sound familiar? That’s one possible view of Liverpool’s squad depth in the 2025/26 season. It’s not a crisis, but it’s a ticking clock. Let’s break down where the Reds are thin, where reinforcements are needed, and what you can actually do about it as a fan or analyst.

The Goalkeeping Puzzle: Life After Kelleher

Liverpool’s number one slot is secure. Alisson Becker remains one of the world’s elite shot-stoppers, and his distribution under Slot has been a key part of building from the back. But behind him? That’s where the trouble starts. Caoimhín Kelleher’s potential departure—whether in the summer or winter window—could leave a gap that needs patching. The current backup is a young keeper from the academy with minimal senior experience. He’s promising, but asking him to step in for a 10-game stretch? That’s a risk.

The problem: If Alisson picks up a muscle injury—and at his age, that’s a realistic concern—Liverpool may lack a reliable deputy who can handle Premier League pressure. The drop-off could be steep.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Assess the backup’s readiness. Watch his performances in cup games and U21 matches. Look for composure under high balls and quick decision-making in 1v1s.
2. Identify a short-term fix. A loan move for an experienced keeper—think a veteran on an expiring contract—could bridge the gap until the summer.
3. Plan for the long term. The summer window should target a young keeper with potential to challenge Alisson, not just sit on the bench. Some names have been floated in rumors, but nothing’s confirmed.

When to call a specialist: If the backup concedes goals that are clearly down to positioning errors or hesitation on crosses, that’s a red flag. A specialist goalkeeping coach can work on those issues, but if the problem persists, the club may need to act in the transfer market.

The Left-Back Conundrum: Kerkez and the Rotation Risk

Left-back has been a talking point since the summer. The player in that role arrived with a reputation for bombing forward and delivering dangerous crosses, but Slot’s system demands defensive discipline. So far, he has started most league games, but his performances have been inconsistent. He’s been caught out of position against pacey wingers, and his passing accuracy under pressure dips in tight matches. Meanwhile, the backup—a converted right-back—offers solidity but lacks the attacking thrust Slot wants.

The problem: There’s no natural left-back who can rotate without a significant tactical shift. If the starter gets suspended or injured, the team loses width on the left, and opponents can target that flank.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Analyze the starter’s workload. Track his minutes over the last 10 games. If he’s playing every three days, fatigue is likely affecting his decision-making.
2. Test the backup in a low-stakes match. A cup tie against a lower-league side is the perfect chance to see if he can replicate overlapping runs.
3. Consider a tactical tweak. Slot could shift to a back-three in games where the left-back is unavailable, using a midfielder like Curtis Jones as a wing-back. It’s not ideal, but it’s a stopgap.
4. Target a specialist in the winter window. A left-back who’s comfortable in possession and can defend 1v1s is a priority. Some names have been rumored, but those are long shots.

When to call a specialist: If the starter’s form doesn’t improve after a rest, and the backup consistently gets beaten by average wingers, it’s time for a transfer. A scout can identify a player who fits Slot’s profile—someone who can invert into midfield or overlap, depending on the game state.

Midfield Depth: The Creative Void

A creative midfielder was a potential marquee signing of the summer, and he’s delivered moments of brilliance. His ability to drift between the lines and unlock defenses has added a new dimension to Liverpool’s attack. But here’s the catch: when that player is out—whether through injury or rotation—the midfield may lack a creative spark. Dominik Szoboszlai can do the job, but he’s been used deeper this season. Harvey Elliott offers energy but not the same vision. And the academy talents? Promising, but not ready for a Champions League quarterfinal.

The problem: There’s no like-for-like replacement for that creative player. The midfield becomes functional rather than fluid, and the attack suffers.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Identify the backup’s strengths. If Szoboszlai moves into the number 10 role, who fills his deeper position? Ryan Gravenberch has shown composure, but his defensive awareness needs work.
2. Rotate in cup competitions. Use the FA Cup and early Carabao Cup rounds to give the creative player a breather. Play Elliott or a young midfielder like Bobby Clark in those games to build confidence.
3. Look for a versatile midfielder in the market. Someone who can play as a 6 or an 8, but also push forward—though no specific names are confirmed.
4. Adjust the formation. Slot could switch to a 4-2-3-1 with two holding midfielders, allowing the wide players to create more. It’s a compromise, but it reduces reliance on one creative player.

When to call a specialist: If Liverpool’s goal-scoring drops noticeably in games the creative player misses, that’s a data point that suggests signing a backup. A data analyst can track xG and key passes to quantify the drop-off.

The Striker Situation: Impact and the Lack of a Plan B

A key striker has been a revelation. His movement, finishing, and ability to link play have made him Liverpool’s focal point. But here’s the worry: if that striker gets injured—and he’s had muscle issues in the past—who steps in? Darwin Núñez has been used as a wide forward, but his finishing has been erratic. Cody Gakpo can play through the middle, but he’s more effective on the left. And the academy striker? He’s raw, with limited first-team minutes.

The problem: There’s no proven backup striker who can replicate that output. The team becomes predictable, with defenses able to focus on the wide threats.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Give Núñez a run of starts. In games where the main striker needs rest, start Núñez as the central striker. Stick with it for three or four matches to see if he can build rhythm.
2. Use Gakpo as a false nine. If the defense is sitting deep, Gakpo’s ability to drop deep and combine with midfielders can create space for runners like Salah.
3. Target a physical striker in the winter window. A player who can hold up the ball and win aerial duels—think a target man type—would offer a different option. It’s not a glamorous signing, but it’s practical.
4. Monitor the main striker’s minutes. Slot should aim to sub him off in games that are already won, preserving his legs for the run-in.

When to call a specialist: If Liverpool’s xG per game drops significantly in the main striker’s absence, that’s a clear sign the backup isn’t cutting it. A medical specialist can also assess injury history to predict risk.

The Right-Back Dilemma: Frimpong and the Tactical Fit

A player brought in to provide attacking thrust from right-back has seen his defensive positioning be a concern. He’s excellent going forward—overlapping, cutting inside, delivering crosses—but he’s been caught out by counter-attacks. Trent Alexander-Arnold, now playing a more advanced role, offers creativity but may not provide the same defensive solidity. The backup right-back is a steady defender but lacks the starter’s dynamism.

The problem: There’s no balanced option at right-back. Slot has to choose between attack and defense, and against top teams, that’s a gamble.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Use the attacking right-back against weaker teams. In games where Liverpool will dominate possession, his attacking output outweighs the defensive risk.
2. Switch to a back-three in big games. Move Van Dijk to the right of a three, with the attacking right-back as a wing-back. This covers his defensive gaps while using his attacking runs.
3. Develop the academy right-back. Give him minutes in cup competitions to see if he can offer a balanced option.
4. Target a two-way right-back in the summer. A player who can defend and attack equally is the ideal long-term solution.

When to call a specialist: If opponents consistently exploit the space behind the attacking right-back, and the tactical tweaks don’t work, a defensive coach can drill positioning. But if the problem is fundamental, a transfer may be needed.

Conclusion: The Reinforcement Checklist

Liverpool’s squad depth isn’t a disaster, but it’s fragile. The core is strong—Alisson, Van Dijk, Salah, key forward, creative midfielder—but the backups are either inexperienced or one-dimensional. Here’s what the club might need to prioritize:

• A reliable backup goalkeeper who can step in for Alisson without a crisis.
• A natural left-back to rotate with the starter and offer defensive stability.
• A creative midfielder who can replace the vision and passing of the main creator.
• A proven striker who can score when the main forward is out.
• A balanced right-back who can defend and attack, giving Slot tactical flexibility.

The winter window could be a time to address one or two of these gaps. For more on potential targets, check out our analysis of Kelleher replacement options and the emergency signings that could make sense. And don’t miss our broader transfers analysis hub for the latest rumors and breakdowns.

What do you think? Is there a position I missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s get the discussion going.